Device for holding an object

ABSTRACT

A device for holding an object which is secured to a substrate such as a computer monitor, the device is secured to the substrate through a mounting assembly and includes a clip assembly which is pivotal about at least one axis to enable the viewing of an information carrying device on opposed sides of the clip assembly. The clip assembly also being pivotal about another axis to enable adjustments to the line of sight of the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for holding an objectsuch as a document that is mountable on a substrate, such as the side ofa computer monitor. The device includes a clip assembly having a pair ofsides that are movable to allow each side to move to an adjustableposition facing the user and one or both of the sides may be fitted witha mirror and/or an information displaying device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Computers and computer monitors are in common use. While using acomputer, the user may face in a direction away from an area the userwould like to view. For instance, a shopkeeper may utilize a computerthat faces in a direction away from the entry of the store which is notdesirable from a security standpoint.

[0003] It is often desirable to type documents on a computer. Whiletyping documents on a computer, the user may wish to refer to anotherdocument such as a handwritten document the content of which may need tobe entered into the computer. Since computers are frequently disposed ondesks, where the user may wish to refer to notes, business cards andsimilar information, it is desirable to have a place for keeping and/ordisplaying such notes and other information.

[0004] It has been proposed to mount a clip onto a computer monitor tohold documents therein for displaying the same in a line of sight of theuser. Furthermore, it has also been proposed to mount a mirror to acomputer monitor. In this way, the user may view the region behind theuser while working on a computer to thereby provide a measure ofsecurity. While these functions have been provided in separate devices,it would be a significant advantage in the art to provide both of saidfunctions with a single device that has a unique structure to performthese functions.

[0005] It would be a further advance in the art to provide a device inwhich the clip is adjustable to provide a desirable and adjustable lineof sight for the user.

[0006] It would be a further advance in the art to provide a device withthe aforementioned attributes which can be mounted to a wide variety ofsubstrates in addition to a computer monitor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is generally directed to a device forholding an object such as a document which is mounted to a wide varietyof substrates such as, for example, a computer monitor. The device maybe moved to reveal different sides which may be provided with aninformation displaying region and/or a mirror to provide a view of anarea behind the user while at the same time having the ability to holdan object such as, for example, a document. The multifunctional deviceis constructed in a manner which provides the above-described benefitsin a cost efficient and effective manner.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided:

[0009] A device for holding an object comprising:

[0010] a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a substrate;and

[0011] b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assemblyand having a first side and a second side which when operativelypositioned together enable the clip assembly to hold said object, afirst information-carrying device formed on the first side, and a secondinformation-carrying device formed on the second side, the clip assemblybeing movable about at least one axis to enable the first side and thesecond side to face the user of the device.

[0012] In a preferred form of the invention, the clip assembly ispivotal about a plurality of axes and more preferably about at least oneof said axis in either direction for up to 360°.

[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided:

[0014] A device for holding an object comprising:

[0015] a) a mounting assembly for securing the device to a substrate;and

[0016] b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to the mounting assemblyand having a first side and a second side, said sides when operativelypositioned together enable the clip assembly to hold said object, theclip assembly being in pivotable relationship to said mounting assemblyabout a plurality of axes, to enable the first side or second side toface a user of the device by moving the clip assembly about one of saidaxes and to be adjustable to the line of sight of the user by moving theclip assembly about another of said axes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following drawings in which like reference charactersillustrate like parts are illustrative of embodiments of the inventionand are not intended to narrow the scope of the invention as encompassedby the claims forming part of the application.

[0018]FIG. 1 is a top right perspective view of a clip assembly inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the clip assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the clip assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of a clip assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a left side elevation al view of a clip assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the clip assembly in accordance withthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-5;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a clip assembly in accordance with theembodiment of FIGS. 1-6;

[0025]FIG. 8A is an exploded front view of a mounting for the clipassembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7;

[0026]FIG. 8B is an exploded front view of a mounting for a clipassembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a partial side elevational view of a clip assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8A;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of a clip assembly, partiallydisassembled, in accordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8A and 9;

[0029]FIG. 11A is a partial exploded view of a pivotal connectionassembly for the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-8A and 9-10;

[0030]FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of a pivotal connectionassembly for the clip assembly in accordance with the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-8A and 9-1 1A;

[0031]FIG. 12 is a front right perspective view of a clip assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8A and 9-11B mounted on acomputer monitor in a first position with one of the sides of the clipassembly facing the user;

[0032]FIG. 13 is the front right perspective view of FIG. 12 showing theclip assembly in a second position with the other of the sides of theclip assembly facing the user;

[0033]FIG. 14 is a top right perspective view of a clip assembly inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 15 is a partial top plan view of the clip assembly inaccordance with the embodiment of FIG. 14;

[0035]FIG. 16 is a sectional view, taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 15;

[0036]FIG. 17 is a partial top plan view of a clip assembly inaccordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 18 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a pivotalconnection assembly for providing front and back movement to the clipassembly to provide line of sight adjustment;

[0038]FIG. 19 is a partial side view of another embodiment of thepivotal connection assembly shown in FIG. 18; and

[0039]FIG. 20 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention withthe pivotal connection assembly enabling the device to be rotated to aposition where it is adjacent the substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] An embodiment of a device for holding an object in accordancewith the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-13. The device comprises a clipassembly 11 operatively attached to a mounting arm 12 which in turn hasa surface for mounting to a substrate such as a computer monitor asshown in FIGS. 2 and 13 and as hereinafter described. It will beunderstood that the device may be mounted on a wide variety ofsubstrates having a sufficient sized mounting surface.

[0041] The clip assembly 11 is mounted to a first end 16 of the mountingarm 12. A mounting base 14 is attached to a second opposed end 18 of themounting arm 12. The mounting base 14 includes an outside mountingsurface 20 for mounting to the surface of a substrate such as a computermonitor. The shape of the mounting base 14 and the mounting surface 20may vary depending on the desired object of attachment. The mountingsurface 20 will typically be sufficiently complimentary to the shape ofthe substrate that an acceptable secure attachment will be made. Forexample, the mounting surface may be oriented along a vertical orhorizontal axis. The mounting base 14 of the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-13 has a flange 19 with the mounting surface 20 (e.g. a verticalsurface) for attachment to a corresponding surface of a computermonitor, wall, door, or the like. While mounting to a computer monitorwill be described herein the object to which the present device isattached is in no way critical to the present invention.

[0042] The mounting base 14 may be attached to the computer monitor orother surface using a suitable attachment device including, but notlimited to, adhesives, or mechanical fixtures, such as screws, bolts andthe like. For example, the mounting base 14 may carry adhesive foam tapeon the mounting surface 20.

[0043] The flange 19 has an inner surface 22 opposed to the mountingsurface 20 which faces in a direction opposite from the mounting surface20 (i.e. toward the clip assembly 11). The mounting base 14 alsoincludes a web 24 that extends from the inner surface 22 of the flange19, toward a first pivotal connection assembly 26 that enables themounting arm to pivotally engage the mounting base 14 when the same isaffixed to the computer monitor.

[0044] The first pivotal connection assembly 26 enables the device to berotated toward and away from the user as shown by a comparison of FIG.13 wherein the clip assembly is in a position to support a document infull view of the user to a position shown in FIG. 20 where the clipassembly is stored flush against the substrate. Preferably, rotation maybe made about the axis of rotation in either direction up to 360°. Thefirst pivotal connection assembly 26 comprises a hinge-like connectionbetween the flange 19 and the second end 18 of the mounting arm 12. In apreferred embodiment, the mounting arm 12 comprises a plate 28 definingthe upper end of the mounting arm 12. There is also provided as bestshown in FIG. 2, a plate 30 extending downwardly from the plate 28operatively connecting the mounting arm 12 to the clip assembly inpivotal relationship via pivotal connecting assembly 36 as hereinafterdescribed in connection with FIGS. 11A and 11B.

[0045] The first pivotal connection assembly 26 for providing pivotalmovement between the mounting base 12 and the mounting arm 14 is bestseen in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In certain embodiments, the first pivotalconnection assembly 26 comprises a hinge-like connection between themounting base 14 and the mounting arm 12 which includes a firstconnector part 27 at an upper end of the web 24. The mounting arm 12 hasa second complementary connector part 31. As hereinafter described, thefirst and second connector parts 27 and 31 are engaged to each other toform a shaft for seating a post which provides for the desirable pivotalmovement. In particular, the first connector part 27 comprises an upperend which has a shaft 29 having an open lower end 35. The secondconnector part 31 is located at a lower end of the mounting arm 12 andcomprises a recess 38 having an open upper end 37 thereby forming acavity for seating a post 33. The post 33 is insertable into the shaft29 through the open end 35 and is insertable into the recess 38 throughthe open upper end 37, thereby completing a pivotal connection betweenthe mounting arm 12 and the mounting base 14. The post 33 may have asurface profiling or texture (e.g. raised ridges) for frictionallyengaging the inner surfaces of the shaft 29 and recess 38 to provide asecure seating therein.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 8B, another embodiment of the first pivotalconnection assembly 26 employs a tube 39 extending from the plate 30 ofthe mounting arm 12 which has sufficient space to rotatably engage thepost 33. Other variations of the first pivotal connection assembly 26would be apparent to these skilled in the art. For example, the mountingarm and mounting base may be connected via a ball and socket joint. Inaddition, the mounting arm 12 and mounting base 14 may be integral witheach other with one clip assembly 11 attached to the one-piece mountingthat is in turn mountable on a surface, such as the side of a computermonitor.

[0047] When the mounting base 14 and mounting arm 12 are operativelyconnected to one another, the mounting arm 12 is movable with respect tothe mounting base 14 to allow the clip assembly to be moved toward andaway form the user. The web 24 is shaped to allow the second connectorpart 31 to rest on the first connector part 27. The plate 30 is alsoshaped so as to avoid interfering with the first connector part 27.

[0048] The clip assembly 11 is adapted to hold an object such as adocument and may be movable to expose opposed sides one of which mayhouse a mirror for rearward viewing. In particular, the clip assembly 11as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a first side 38 having a top end 40 and abottom end 42. The first side 38 has a front surface 44 and a rearsurface 46 as shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5. A first hinge part 48, asbest seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, extends rearwardly from the rear surface 46of the first side 38, near the top end 40 thereof. A second hinge part58 also extends rearwardly from the rear surface 46 of the first side38, near the tope end 40 thereof and in spaced apart relationship withfirst hinge part 48. The first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58are laterally spaced form one another as they extend from the rearsurface 46 of the front side 38 of the clip assembly 11. The clipassembly 11 also has a second side 52 with a top end 54 and a bottom end56. The first side 38 and the second side 52 are positioned with respectto each other to enable the clip assembly 11 to retain an object such asa document between the respective sides.

[0049] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 10 a third hinge part 59 extendsforwardly from the front surface 60 of the second side 52 and a fourthhinge part 62 extends forwardly from the front surface 60 as well. Boththe third hinge part 59 and fourth hinge part 62 are located adjacentthe top end 54 of the second side 52 of the clip assembly 11.

[0050] The first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58 form a part of ahinge assembly that is operatively engaged to the third hinge part 59and fourth hinge part 62. As best seen in FIG. 10, the first hinge part48 and second hinge part 58 include a first lug 65 and a second lug 67,respectively. The lugs 65 and 67 extend outwardly away form the spacebetween the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58. The thirdhinge part 59 has a first recess 61 and the fourth hinge part 62 has asecond recess 63. The first and second hinged parts are spaced apart onthe first side 38 and the third and fourth hinged parts are spaced aparton the second side 52 so that the first and second hinged parts arereceived in the space between the third and fourth hinged parts, 48 and58, respectively. The lugs 65 and 67 extend outwardly away form thespace between the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58. At leastone of the hinge parts is somewhat flexible so that the lugs 65 and 67are received in the recesses 61 and 63 and the first and second hingeparts snap into a position flush with the third and fourth hinge partsupon assembly of the first side 38 with the second side 52 via the hingeparts.

[0051] The manner in which the clip assembly 11 is in position to holdan object is best seen in FIG. 9, wherein a resilient member 49 ismounted between the rear surface 46 and the forward surface 60 so thatthe top end 40 and top end 54 are resiliently held apart while the firstside 38 and second side 52 are hingedly connected to one another. Theresilient member 49 resiliently holds the bottom end 42 and bottom end56 of the respective sides 38 and 52 together, via the pivoting actionof the hinge parts, preferably at a location above the hinge parts. Thehinge parts 48, 58, 59, and 62 are spaced apart from the top ends 40 and54 so that when the top ends are pressed towards one another, the firstside 38 and second side 52 pivot with respect to one another about thehinged parts. The forces applied to the top ends are illustrated byarrows 50 in FIG. 9. When the first side 38 and second side 52 pivotwith respect to one another, the bottom end 42 and bottom end 56 moveaway from one another so that the clip is opened and ready to receive adocument, note or other information. When the top ends 40 and 54 are notdepressed, the bottom ends 42 and 56 are spring biased into one anotherand engaged so that the clip assembly 11 can hold an object such as adocument. Other means of constructing the clip assembly to releasablyengage an object would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0052] The clip assembly 11 is mounted on the mounting arm 12 at asecond pivotal connection 36 as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B by a tube 68attached to either the first side 38 or the second side 52 of the clipassembly 11. For example, in the embodiment shown, the tube 68 comprisestwo parts attached to the inside surface 60 of the second side 52. Thetwo parts of the tube 68 are disposed at the top end 54 of the secondside, so that each part of the tube is spaced from another part of thetube, forming a slot 51. The tube 68 is arranged so as to receive thepin 34 to support the clip assembly 11, while allowing the clip assembly11 to rotate and/or to engage in other movements to modify the positionof the clip assembly 11 so as to alter the line of sight between theclip assembly 11 and the user as explained hereinafter.

[0053] The pin 34, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, mayhave a step 35 protruding outwardly from the surface thereof. The tube68 is mounted on the second side 52 to define a bore 69 for receivingthe pin 34. The bore 69 also defines a slot 51 for receiving the step35. The parts of the tube 68 are mounted on the second side 52 so thatthe pin 34 is received in the bore 69 and the step 35 is received in theslot 51. However, other methods of attaching the clip assembly 11 to themounting so that the clip assembly 11 is movable with respect to themounting may be used.

[0054] As previously indicated, the clip assembly is movable about thesecond pivotal connection 36 to enable, for example, the clip assemblyto be rotated so that one of the sides 38, 52 can be positioned in frontof the user (e.g. side 38 as shown in FIG. 12). Further rotation canresult in the other of the sides (e.g. side 52) being placed in front ofthe user (see FIG. 13). In a preferred form of the invention, the clipassembly 11 is rotatable about the second pivotal connection in eitherdirection for up to 360°.

[0055] In another embodiment of the invention, the position of the clipassembly may be adjusted to provide a desirable line of sight with theuser. In this regard, the clip assembly may be provided with the abilityto move relative to the mounting arm along at least one axis differentfrom the axis of movement involved in changing the side of the clipassembly facing the user.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, there are shown two embodiments ofthe invention whereby the clip assembly may be moved toward or away fromthe user to adjust the line of sight. In the embodiment shown in FIG.18, the second pivot connection 36 and particularly the pin 34 ismovably seated within a socket 90 in a manner sufficient to provide adesirable degree of forward and/or backward movement of the pin 34 andthereby the clip assembly 11. A standard ball and socket arrangement canbe used for this purpose.

[0057] In the embodiment of FIG. 19, forward and/or backward movementcan be achieved by providing the pin 34 with a mid region 91 which canflex so that the pin 34 is reversibly bendable, much like a drinkingstraw which has a similar type of bendable region.

[0058] In the embodiments of FIGS. 18 and 19, the line of sight betweenthe user and the clip assembly 11 can readily be adjusted through theflexible movement provided by the socket 90 and/or the mid region 71 tomake it easier for the user, for example, to view the object (e.g.document) held by the clip assembly 11 and/or the mirror which may beprovided on one side thereof.

[0059] Various materials may be used to form the clip assembly includingwood, metals, alloys thereof and plastics. Preferably, the clip assemblyis formed from a resilient plastic material. Certain parts may berelatively rigid or relatively flexible. For example, the partsdescribed herein that desirably flex in order to accomplish assembly arepreferably made from resilient plastic. Such plastics are well known inthe art. The parts may be formed by injection molding, or otherwisemolding plastic or resin material. Certain of the parts may be moldedtogether or adhered to one another, such as the pin 34 and the plate 30.Although some connections may be formed differently using differentmaterials, a person of ordinary skill in the art is well versed informing such connections.

[0060] The clip assembly includes a first information-carrying device ona first side thereof the term “information-carrying” means anyinformation including written information (e.g. a written document)and/or visual (e.g. a mirror), that can be provided as part of theinformation carrying device. In a preferred embodiment, the clipassembly 11 includes a slot 70 which may be employed to hold a slip ofpaper or a card. The slot 70 is best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 and may beconstructed in a routine manner such as by the employment of a first tab72 attached to the rear surface 46 at the bottom end 42 of the firstside 38. The first tab 72 extends rearwardly and cooperates with aspaced apart second tab 74 attached to the rear surface 46 of the firstside 38, just beneath the first hinge part 48 and second hinge part 58to define a display area for receiving a slip of paper or a card, suchas a business card.

[0061] The first side 38 has a centrally positioned opening 77. As shownin FIG. 1, the opening 77 is centrally located in a portion of the firstside 38 so as not to interfere with the first hinge part 48 and secondhinge part 58. Thus, a business card or slip of paper inserted in theslot 70 is visible through the opening 77 in the first side.Alternatively, it will be understood that the front face 44 of the firstside 38 may be provided with a see through protective sheet (e.g. atransparent plastic sheet) over the opening to prevent damage to thecard or note placed through the opening 77.

[0062] In other preferred embodiments, the slot 70 comprises a smallclip (not shown) mounted on the rear surface 46 of the first side 38.The small clip may comprise a thin, resilient member having a first endfolded over and in engagement with a second end thereof. A surface ofthe small clip may be adhered or otherwise mounted to the rear surface46. The first end and second end resiliently engage one another so thatwhen a slip of paper or card is inserted therebetween, the clip holdsthe slip of paper or card to the rear surface 46 of the first side 38.Any means for holding information on the clip may be used, as would beknown by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0063] The clip assembly includes a second information-carrying deviceon a second side thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the rear surface 75of the second side 52 carries something of interest for the user. Forexample, the rear surface 75 may include another slot for holding a slipof paper or card on the rear surface as described above in connectionwith the first information-carrying device. In a preferred embodiment,as best seen in FIG. 3, the rear surface 64 carries a mirror 76. In theembodiment of FIGS. 1-13, the mirror 76 is mounted near the bottom end56 of the second side 52 so that the top end 54 is free to be contactedby the user to operate the clip assembly 11 to hold and release anobject.

[0064] The clip assembly 11 preferably includes a region that is free tocarry a logo or other information and which is in plain view of theuser. One or more such surfaces may be provided on the first side 38 orsecond side 52 of the clip assembly. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,a region designated by the numeral 79 is located on the first side 38and may carry a label printed with a logo for a product or otheradvertising or promotional information. In other embodiments, theinformation may be printed directly on surface 79.

[0065] In another embodiment, the second side 52 comprises first andsecond portions (not shown) adhered to one another which together form aspace for receiving a mirror. In a further embodiment, the second side52 comprises a single portion and the mirror 76 operatively engaged tothe surface 75 such as through the use of an adhesive.

[0066] A further embodiment of the invention is shown in connection withFIGS. 14-16. The clip assembly 111 comprises a first side 138 and asecond side 152 hingedly mounted and spring-biased in a closed positionwith respect to one another, substantially as described above inconnection with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-13. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 14-16, the first side 138 has a curvilinear shape so that thetop end 140 of the first side 138 is biased outwardly from thesubstantially planar top end 154 of the second side 152. Although FIGS.14-16 show parts having a particular shape, the parts may have variousshapes apart from the shapes specifically shown.

[0067] In operation, the bottom end 142 of the first side 138 of theclip assembly 111 engages the bottom end 156 of the second side 152. Thefirst side 138 comprises a slot 170. The slot 170 is formed between thefront surface 144 of first side 138 and an insert 139 mounted thereon.The first side 138 has a plurality of cavities formed therein forreceiving corresponding tabs 145 (three are shown) formed on the insert139. However, in other embodiments, a fewer or greater number of tabsmay be used. In addition, the insert 139 may be held onto the first side138 by other means, so as to form a slot for holding notes, memos, andother information. In addition, the slot may be formed by other means,such as a clip attached to the front side 138.

[0068] The insert 139 also has a hole 141, preferably centrally locatedin the insert 139. When the insert 139 is mounted on the first side 138via the tabs 145, the slip of paper or card may be grasped between theinert 139 and the first side 138. Preferably, the hole 141 is shaped soas to reveal the slip of paper or card engaged by the slot 170, whilepreventing the slip of paper or card from falling out of the slot.

[0069] In the embodiment specifically shown in FIG. 14, the insert 139has corner portions 143 so that the hole 141 is shaped in the form of abusiness card, except for the corner portions 143 which engage thecorners of the business card. The hole 141 is shown substantiallyrectangular in shape and has four corner portions. In other embodiments,the hole 141 may have various shapes and may or may not have cornerportions.

[0070] The insert 139 may be comprised of a transparent material, suchas a transparent plastic. In certain embodiments, a transparent insert139 is used, without a hole, and the material of the insert 139 istransparent enough to allow the note or card in the slot 170 to beviewed. The second side 152 has as rear surface for mounting somethingof interest to the user, such as a mirror 176. In other embodiments, amirror may be mounted on the front side and a clip or other means ofdisplaying information may be mounted on the rear side.

[0071] The clip assembly 111 is connected to a second end 118 (see FIG.15) of a mounting arm 112. A first end 116 of the mounting arm 112 isconnected to a mounting base 114, as shown in FIG. 14. The mounting base114 and mounting arm 112 are operatively connected by a first pivotalconnection 125 and the mounting arm 112 and second side 152 of the clipassembly 111 form a second pivotal connection 136. The mounting base 114has a pair of fingers extending from a surface 120 thereof. The firstpair of fingers 115 has free ends 117 that are spaced apart from oneanother so as to receive the first end 116 of the mounting arm 112. Thefirst end 116 of the mounting arm 112 has an aperture 113 formed thereinso that the first end 116 of the mounting arm 112 may be insertedbetween the free ends 117 of the first fingers 115 which are received inthe aperture 113 as the mounting arm 112 and the mounting base 114rotate with respect to one another. The first fingers 115 are spacedapart from one another so that the first end 116 of the mounting arm 112snaps into place between the first fingers 115 and can rotate about themounting base 114. At an opposite end 118 of the mounting arm, themounting arm 112 has a second pair of fingers 121 for forming a pivotal136 connection with the second side 152 of the clip 111 (see FIG. 15).The second side 152 has an aperture 123 formed therein so that an end ofthe second side 152 may be inserted between the free ends of the secondfingers 121.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 16, the clip assembly 111 is preferablyspring-loaded in the closed position by a resilient member 127 thatengages the first side 138 at the top end 140 and the second side 152 atthe top end 154. The resilient member 127 resiliently holds the top end140 and top end 154 away form each other while allowing the top end 140and top end 154 to be brought together when pressure is applied to thetop end 140 and top end 154. Hinge members 148 and 158 on first side 138are attached to hinge members 159 and 162 on second side 152. Throughpivoting action around the hinge members 138, 148, 158 and 162, thelower end 142 and lower end 156 are moved away from each other.

[0073] The resilient member 127 may comprise a spring made of curledwire, a leaf spring, a resilient piece of metal or the like or a spongymaterial disposed between the first side 138 and second side 152, nearthe top ends, a living hinge, a plastic spring, flat or preformed, orpreferably attached to the first side 138, the second side, or both. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the resilient member 127 may havea hole at each of ends 131 a and 131 b. The first side may have a knob133 a and the second side may have a corresponding knob 133 b. When theresilient member 127 is mounted on the clip assembly 111, knob 133 a andknob 133 b are received in a respective hole to hold the resilientmember 127 in place. The resilient member could be glued, attached bymolding an end of resilient member into the plastic, or using variousmethods known in the art.

[0074] In a further embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 17, theclip assembly has a mounting base, a mounting arm 212 and a pair ofsides 238 and 252, as discussed above for holding an object. The clipassembly 211 has a first side 238 hingedly attached to a second side 252and spring loaded in a closed position and a slot in the first side 238,as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 14-16. The second side 252of the clip assembly 211 carries a pair of fingers 215 that have freeends 217 that extend rearwardly from the second side 252, adjacent a topend 254 of the second side 252. The mounting arm 212 has a second end218 having an aperture 213 formed therein for receiving the free ends217 of the pair of fingers 215 and hingedly mounting the clip assembly211 to the mounting arm 212. The second side 252 has a rear surface 275for carrying something of interest to the user. For example, the rearsurface 275 in the embodiment of FIG. 17 carries a mirror 276. The clipassembly 211 is otherwise substantially as described in connection withFIGS. 14-16.

[0075] Although the invention herein has been described with referenceto particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. For example, one or more photo-frames orphoto-carrying structures may be used. In another example, a LCD ordigital display may be included. A number of structures may be utilizedas a slot in the first side of the clip assembly, as known in the art.In addition, the clip assembly may be spring-mounted in a closedposition utilizing a leaf spring, a spring wire, or other resilientmember. In addition, the mounting base, mounting arm and clip assemblymay be pivotally connected to one another utilizing various structuresknown in the art. These pivotal connections may be arranged tofacilitate movement through a 360° rotation, a 180° rotation or otherangle. The clip may carry a slot on the first side of the clip andanother slot on the second side. In other embodiments, a mirror ismounted on both the first side and second side. In some embodiments withtwo mirrors, each mirror has different degrees of magnification ordifferent degrees of wide-angle viewing. In other embodiments, one ormore flat or concave or convex mirrors are included. In otherembodiments, a slot is located on a rearward facing side and a mirror islocated on a forward-facing side. Other information may be carrieddirectly on a surface of the clip device, such as the logo of a productor company. For example, such information may be carried on the mountingbase or mounting arm. Furthermore, the clip assembly may be disposed sothat the openable ends of the clip assembly are located on the side,rather than lower end of the clip assembly.

[0076] It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications maybe made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements maybe devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as encompassed by the claims forming part of the application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for holding an object, comprising: a) amounting assembly for securing the device to a substrate; and b) a clipassembly pivotally connected to the mounting assembly and having a firstside and a second side which when operatively positioned together enablethe clip assembly to hold said object, a first information-carryingdevice on the first side, and a second information-carrying device onthe second side, the clip assembly being movable about at least one axisto enable the first side and the second side to face a user of thedevice.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly is movableabout a plurality of axes.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the clipassembly is movable about at least one axis in either direction up to360°.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly comprisesa mounting arm having a first end, the clip assembly being pivotallyconnected to the mounting arm at the first end.
 5. The device of claim1, wherein at least one of the first and second information-carryingdevices comprises a mirror.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the firstinformation-carrying device comprises a slot for carrying an informationcontaining vehicle.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first side hasan opening therein and the slot comprises a pair of tabs disposed withrespect to the opening so as to display information contained on theinformation containing vehicle held in the slot.
 8. The device of claim6, wherein the first side has an opening therein and a see throughprotective sheet over the at least a portion of the opening to protectthe information containing vehicle held in the slot.
 9. The device ofclaim 4, wherein the mounting arm comprises a second end and themounting assembly includes a mounting base hingedly connected to thesecond end of the mounting arm.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein themounting base has a mounting surface for attaching to a surface of acomputer monitor.
 11. The device of claim 9 further comprising a pivotalconnection assembly pivotally connecting the mounting arm to the clipassembly.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstside and the second side has a curvilinear shape.
 13. A device forholding an object comprising: a) a mounting assembly for securing thedevice to a substrate; and b) a clip assembly pivotally connected to themounting assembly and having a first side and a second side, said sideswhen operatively positioned together enable the clip assembly to holdsaid object, the clip assembly being pivotable in relationship to saidmounting assembly about a plurality of axes, to enable the first side orsecond side to face a user of the device by moving the clip assemblyabout one of said axes and to be adjustable to the line of sight of theuser by moving the clip assembly about another of said axes.
 14. Thedevice of claim 13 wherein the clip assembly is movable about saidanother axis from a first position in which the clip is aligned with avertical axis of the clip assembly to a second position in which theclip assembly is moved toward the user at an angle with respect to saidvertical axis.
 15. The device of claim 13 wherein the clip assembly ismovable about one of said axes from a first position wherein the clipassembly and object held therein may be readily viewed by the user to asecond position wherein the clip assembly is adjacent to the substrate.